By Kofler, J., Berliner Und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift, 1995
Description
Clinical, radiographic, sonographic, arthrocentesis and intraoperative findings in 19 cattle suffering from a septic arthritis of the proximal interphalangeal (p.i.p.) joint in 20 digits were evaluated retrospectively. In 6 cattle the p.i.p. joint was exclusively affected, in 13 animals a concurrent infection was ascertained in other 18 synovial cavities: digital flexor tendon sheath and the adjoining digital joints. As origin of the p.i.p. joint infection 11 cases showed perforating wounds, 6 cases a contiguous spread from adjacent purulent tissue affections and in 2 calves a haematogenous contamination was found. According to the progress of septic joint affection the increasing severity of the radiographic findings in this study were classified in 6 degrees. This systematic classification of the radiographic findings of septic arthritis in cattle is proposed as a basis for a comparable description and diagnosis of the radiographic signs. The sonographic imaging of the distended dorsal and plantar recesses of the p.i.p. joint in 3 cattle was proved to be a valuable adjunct to the other examination methods available. Five animals were slaughtered after diagnosis. An amputation through the distal third of the phalanx proximalis, respectively a modified disarticulation in the p.i.p. joint was performed in 14 patients. After an average hospitalization of 4.6 weeks the 13 healed patients were dismissed
Clinical, radiographic, sonographic, arthrocentesis and intraoperative findings in 19 cattle suffering from a septic arthritis of the proximal interphalangeal (p.i.p.) joint in 20 digits were evaluated retrospectively. In 6 cattle the p.i.p. joint was exclusively affected, in 13 animals a concurrent infection was ascertained in other 18 synovial cavities: digital flexor tendon sheath and the adjoining digital joints. As origin of the p.i.p. joint infection 11 cases showed perforating wounds, 6 cases a contiguous spread from adjacent purulent tissue affections and in 2 calves a haematogenous contamination was found. According to the progress of septic joint affection the increasing severity of the radiographic findings in this study were classified in 6 degrees. This systematic classification of the radiographic findings of septic arthritis in cattle is proposed as a basis for a comparable description and diagnosis of the radiographic signs. The sonographic imaging of the distended dorsal and plantar recesses of the p.i.p. joint in 3 cattle was proved to be a valuable adjunct to the other examination methods available. Five animals were slaughtered after diagnosis. An amputation through the distal third of the phalanx proximalis, respectively a modified disarticulation in the p.i.p. joint was performed in 14 patients. After an average hospitalization of 4.6 weeks the 13 healed patients were dismissed
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